New Ipswich’s rec camp is “Out of this World”

Lily Retzlaff of New Ipswich blows some bubbles.

Lily Retzlaff of New Ipswich gets to swim in the deep end of the pool.

Calvin Rathburn of New Ipswich cools off in the sprinklers. STAFF PHOTOs BY ASHLEY SAARI

Calvin Rathburn is ready for a lightsaber fight.

Lily Retzlaff of New Ipswich takes a turn on the swings. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI

STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI

Ryland Pierce swings his “lightsaber,” made from a pool noodle, through the sprinkler, to ensure that his next opponent gets a good soaking. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Lily Retzlaff of New Ipswich works on a bead project. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI

Calvin Rathburn of New Ipswich practices swimming. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI

By ASHLEY SAARI

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Published: 06-20-2024 12:05 PM

Modified: 06-20-2024 12:42 PM

New Ipswich NH

With temperatures peaking at over 90 degrees on Tuesday, and the rest of the week only looking to get hotter, the New Ipswich Recreation Department summer camp got creative to keep youths cool, while still having fun.

On the second day of camp, the group started out the morning playing in the sprinkler, and having “lightsaber” fights with modified pool noodles (a nod to the camp’s “Out of this World” space theme), with the added benefit of getting them wet first to provide an extra soaking as they faced off. The day also included exclusive time in the town pool to keep cool, as well as planned crafts and games centered around space, planets, and aliens.

“They seem to like it,” said Recreation Department Summer Coordinator Lyla Buxton.

On Tuesday, in addition to water games and swimming, campers were set to make a “fizzy moon” using vinegar and baking soda.

“I feel like it gives them an outlet to meet new kids, and form new friendships within our community,” Buxton said of the benefits of a summer day camp. “I know this week, all the kids are from New Ipswich, they get to see kids who might be in their class next year, or see each other on the playground. They get to meet new friends and make connections they wouldn’t necessarily have made before.”

Buxton said while the crafts are child-friendly, they can encourage skills like motor skills and following directions.

“It’s convenient that someone is here watching your kids while they get the enrichment of hands-on activities that are a little more structured toward loose learning,” she said.

The next Recreation camp session begins July 8, with a theme of “Animal Farm.” To register, visit nird.recdesk.com. Camp is offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an afternoon-only option between noon and 5 p.m. Full-day costs are $275 for the week, or $150 for just the afternoon sessions.

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